Informal traders picket outside Joburg High Court over CoJ decision to remove those operating illegally

Dozens of frustrated informal traders are picketing outside the Johannesburg High Court on Friday afternoon.

The Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) and the City of Johannesburg are facing off in the court over the metro’s decision to remove traders operating illegally.

ALSO READ: City of Joburg calls on informal traders to apply for permits

The city said it would no longer allow informal traders to operate wherever they choose or without proper permits.

With the G20 Leaders Summit set to take place in Johannesburg in November, the City of Johannesburg has intensified its efforts to clean up the municipality.

It believes that one of the factors contributing to untidiness in public spaces is the presence of informal traders who operate their small businesses in undesignated areas and without municipal approval.

But one informal trader, who was also removed from his longtime trading spot in the city’s CBD, said his livelihood had taken a knock.

"We are supposed to be paying bills. So, what are we going to do now?"

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero insisted that the metro is legally obligated to ensure informal traders operate with valid permits and only within designated areas.

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